Widespread surface hoar and small avalanche

Widespread surface hoar and small avalanche

Date
Activity
Snowmobiling

Rode through 1st, 2nd, & 3rd Yellowmules, into the heads of McAtee, Muddy, and Bear Creeks. Saw a small snowmobile triggered slide (~1ft deep and ~20x20 ft) at the head of Muddy Creek (NE Aspect, 9400 ft). Looks like it was likely triggered on Sunday (Jan 1st) in a shallow spot near rocks. No other avalanches or signs of instability. Dug on NE and SE aspects around 9400 ft (HS100-140) and found F+ to 4F facets in the bottom 2/3rd of the snowpack, but got ECTN21 and ECTX. 

Widespread big crystals of surface hoar (feathers around 1 cm in size). We will be watching to see if it is buried as it is potentially our next weak layer of concern.

Region
Northern Madison
Location (from list)
Buck Ridge
Observer Name
Ian Hoyer